Your Insider’s Guide to Downtown Kitchener
Downtown Kitchener (DTK) is an urban neighbourhood with a creative vibe and unique energy you won’t find anywhere else. DTK is home to Waterloo Region’s highest concentration of outdoor public art, an authentic and multicultural food scene, arts & culture organizations, events, festivals and a creative community like no other.
We’ll guide you through the hidden gems, local favourites and unexpected experiences you’ll find across Downtown Kitchener through:
Field Guides
Downtown Kitchener's unique energy and vibe is perfectly captured in the stories and experiences locals share about their city.
Want to spend a perfect day in DTK? Wondering what makes DTK's King East neighbourhood so unique? Want to explore over 50 outdoor art installations all within walking distance? We've got you covered!
Nestled in the heart of our downtown area, the park boasts many of its original amenities from its opening in 1896, including an iron bridge that provides walkers a means to cross its stunning lake, two classic cannons, wildlife, flower beds and hundreds of trees and shrubs.
A steel beam recovered from Ground Zero in New York City is a main feature at the Kitchener Firefighters Memorial in Civic Centre Park. This park, located beside Kitchener Public Library Central is also home to the annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival and is beloved by the Olde Berlin Town Neighbourhood Association.
This two city-led placemaking project highlights all of the charm of this historic street with so many incredible design details and features you'll have to see for yourself!
Complete with colourful picnic tables, fall platers and a new street mural by Luke Swinson, this pedestrian-only street connecting Kitchener City Hall and Victoria Park is quickly becoming a DTK favourite. Get involved in the next steps for Gaukel at EngageWR.ca.
An award winning placemaking project and a DTK favourite! Full of beautiful murals and string lighting, with picnic table seating and live music performances throughout the summer months.
Parallel to King Street lives Hall's Lane - a pedestrian passage for locals and an urban gallery full of colourful wall murals.
Classes & Workshops
Downtown Kitchener is home to countless teachers, experts and thought leaders – and they’re waiting to teach you something new. With an ever-changing rotation of opportunities, sign up for a class, join a workshop or attend an in-person or online session hosted by these inspiring local organizations:
- Kitchener Public Library
From Dungeons & Dragons for all ages, programs for parents, nature in the city, book clubs to health and wellness, music, photography and children’s programming – they really do have something for everyone.
- Downtown Community Centre
Pick-up basketball games, pilates, sign language classes, mediation and an in-house hair salon are just a few of the services provided by the DCC. Search by location on Active Kitchener for upcoming programs. - Relish Cooking Studio
If you’re looking to perfect classic dishes, explore plant-based cooking, craft cocktails and expand your culinary skills – Relish Cooking Studio offers weekly classes that cover a range of cuisines and techniques. - Kitchener Market
Learn to cook from professional local chefs featuring demo-style classes hosted by the Kitchener Market. - Artshine
Artshine offers unique art programs, tutorials and creative opportunities for all ages including adult programs, Artshine & Wine/Brew, and team building. - THEMUSEUM
This is a new kind of museum – one of ideas and experiences. No dusty objects, no collections, and no velvet ropes. Whether you’re an adult or a kid, you’ll always find an interesting and unexpected experience at THEMUSEUM. - Mindful Makers
Mixing art and tech skills together in an immersive hands-on making experience for children and adults. Mindful Makers focuses on learning through joyful creation and play. - Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG)
Offering the most culturally-relevant, contemporary and inclusive experiences in arts and culture – KWAG has some of the coolest events and workshops you’ll find in DTK.
Contact Us